Sac State Football ready to ‘flush’ loss ahead of home opener

Sacramento State’s first game as an FBS program did not end with the result the Hornets wanted, but head coach Alonzo Carter saw plenty to build on following a 28-17 loss at Eastern Michigan.

Speaking on the latest episode of Stingers Up: The Sacramento State Football Podcast with Jason Ross, Carter praised his team for continuing to battle despite falling behind early in its first-ever FBS contest.

“The biggest thing that I want to commend my team for is that they kept fighting,” Carter said. “They played four quarters all the way to the end. We got down, the team just, they didn’t flinch. They kept fighting all the way to the last whistle.”

Sacramento State struggled to find its offensive rhythm early, but the Hornets made adjustments as the game progressed. Carson Conklin settled in at quarterback, the running game began to emerge, and the defense and special teams provided opportunities to stay within striking distance.

(Sacramento State football)

Carter pointed to the challenges of building chemistry with a new-look offense, including five new starters along the offensive line and a new receiving corps.

“It’s a new team, man. It’s a new team,” Carter said. “And offense normally takes longer than defense.”

The Hornets will now turn their attention toward Saturday’s historic home opener against Mississippi Valley State. Carter emphasized that Sac State will not dwell on the loss to Eastern Michigan and will instead rely on a simple philosophy when evaluating mistakes.

“We gonna own it,” Carter said. “So that means we gonna watch it, and then when we own it, we gonna fix it.”

Then comes the final step.

“After today, 48-hour rule, we gonna flush it,” Carter said. “So we have to own it, fix it, flush it, and move on.”

One of the brightest individual performances in the opener came from receiver Ontario Smith Jr., who recorded career highs with nine catches for 86 yards. The Folsom product is entering his third season at Sac State and has earned a starting role for the Hornets.

Smith said the increased responsibility is exactly what he wants.

(Sacramento State football)

“That’s a challenge I want,” Smith said. “That’s why we play football, so I’m trying to take it head-on.”

For Smith, Sacramento State’s move to the FBS and the Mid-American Conference carries an added personal significance. A 916 native, he has the opportunity to help establish the next chapter of Hornets football while representing the community where he grew up.

“I’m a 916 kid myself, so it’s even better that I’m a part,” Smith said. “I could, like, change the history in Sacramento kind of.”

Now, Smith and the Hornets get their first opportunity to make history at home. Carter hopes Sacramento responds with the same fight it showed in Michigan, only this time, with a win to show for it.

More Sacramento State Football content from Sactown Sports

• Sacramento State Football gets high praise at MAC Media Day

2026 Sacramento State Football Schedule

• Saturday, September 5th – vs. Mississippi Valley State – 7:00 PM PT
• Saturday, September 12th – @ Fresno State – 7:30 PM PT
• Saturday, September 19th – vs. North Dakota State – 7:30 PM PT
• Saturday, September 26th – vs. Massachusetts – TBD
• Saturday, October 10th – @ Bowling Green – TBD

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